Fine for man who swore at officer

AN EASTBOURNE man who swore at police after they were called to a heated argument has appeared before magistrates.

Terry Carpenter, who is a paranoid schizophrenic, became verbally aggressive after officers attended an address during the early hours.

Eastbourne magistrates heard the 50-year-old, who had previously tried to kill himself, had an argument with his sister which had got out of hand.

When police turned up Carpenter swore at them and began swinging his arms around.

The court heard the defendant, who is on licence, had to be captor sprayed during the incident and when he was brought under control said, “I know what I did was wrong, sometimes I lose my temper, what with my son, I can’t handle it.”

Jay Shah, defending, explained his client – who pleaded guilty to obstructing a PC – had lost a son to suicide some time ago.

He added, “His sister was worried about her son who she had not been in contact with for some time and the argument became heated. He accepts he was in an agitated state, my friend accepts the police being there may have exacerbated the situation.

“He was on crutches at the time, it was as a result of him trying to commit suicide.

“What is positive to know is he is residing in supported accommodation.

“His mental state of mind has become more stabilised.

“This I would suggest is a one off incident.”

Magistrates heard from probation who said he had not missed an appointment and that he had received a warning for the offence.